Page 90 of Seasoned
“At some point I would have mentioned it, but I was hoping I didn’t have to right now because of…well, because of our fragile relationship.”
“This is unreal,” Kendrick muttered, walking toward the sliding glass doors and staring out at the night.
Tyson knew how he felt because he had experienced the same disbelief when he saw them together.
Kendrick swung around. “Why’d you come here tonight? To gloat?”
“Like you just did? Hell, no. I do want to spend time with you, but I can’t deny that I’m interested in getting back together with Jackie. I figured—well, I figured we could kill two birds with one stone.”
“Get me out of the way and off to New York and then get her back.”
“Something like that,” Tyson admitted.
“I can’t believe you just admitted that!” Kendrick exclaimed.
“I don’t see any reason to lie. What would be the point, especially since I’m trying to re-establish a relationship with you. You’re my son, and although I’ve repaired my relationship with your sisters, I can’t get through to you. You won’t let me get close. Coming out here to see you was me taking a chance. I know you think I’m not shit because I wasn’t there when you were growing up. I’ve told you a million times that I’m sorry. Let me show you that I’m a different man than I used to be.”
“I have a father. The man who raised me.”
Those words jabbed his heart like a dagger, but he refused to give up. “I’m not trying to replace the man who’s been a father to you. I’m trying to carve out a little space in your life for me.”
Kendrick shoved his hands into his pockets and studied his father for a while. Tyson didn’t speak, allowing him the opportunity to work out whatever he needed to work out in his head.
“This thing with Jaclyn is hella awkward,” he said.
Tyson nodded his agreement. “I think we can work through that.”
“You’ll really pay for me to go to New York?” Kendrick asked.
“As soon as you’re ready.”
“I’ll be ready as soon as you confirm you’ll pay to transport my car to New York and cover my rent for a year, too.”
“Done.”
His eyebrows shot higher. “You really like her.”
“I do.” In fact, she was the one who got away, and he meant that with his whole heart. He’d have work to do convincing Jackie he’d wanted her when they first met and wanted her even more now.
“Okay. You have a deal,” Kendrick said, though he sounded suspicious.
Relief washed over Tyson. “Wonderful. Now what about you and me? Our relationship.”
“I don’t know, man,” Kendrick said with a shake of his head.
Tyson stepped closer. “Give me a week, that’s all I’m asking. Let’s spend time together before you leave for New York—time that we haven’t been able to spend together because of me. I’m only asking for an hour or two here and there, and if you still believe that I’m not worthy of being in your life…” He swallowed. The pain of losing his kid when he was so close to having a real relationship with him was almost too much to imagine. “I’ll leave you alone, and I won’t try any more. If we do have a relationship in the future, I’ll leave it up to you to reach out.”
Kendrick’s lips tightened. “You’ll put in the time? You promise?”
The faint tremble in his voice, the vulnerable way he asked the question, tightened Tyson’s chest with remorse. He’d done serious damage, but he was determined to change his son’s mind. “I promise.”
5
Tyson climbed into the gold two-seater rental and started the engine. Thankfully, he’d made progress with Kendrick. His son hadn’t completely forgiven him, but spending time together would hopefully lead to a new, healthy relationship.
As he pulled out of the apartment parking lot, he dialed his ex-wife’s number.
“Hey, stranger. Haven’t heard from you in a while,” Yvonne said by way of greeting.
